Top 5 Fatal Accident Claims

Silverman, McDonald & Friedman fights for the compensation you need when you experience the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident in Delaware. The days, weeks and months after the loss of a loved one are daunting. Our team can help. Call us in Newark, Wilmington or Seaford to discuss your needs with a compassionate wrongful death attorney.

Fatal accidents change your life in an instant. According to data compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 466 deaths per day in the United States that are preventable. There were 169,936 preventable deaths in 2017, the record high for preventable deaths in one single year for the country. These are the top five causes of fatal accidents:

1. Poisoning (drug overdoses included)

In 2017, there were 67,795 deaths due to poisoning, including drug overdoses. The opioid crisis is one of the main reasons why preventable deaths in America continue to climb. The increase in poisoning deaths from 2016 to 2017 was 11.1%. If your loved one died due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, you might be able to hold the drug manufacturer or prescribing doctor accountable, depending on the circumstances.

2. Motor vehicle accidents

Not surprising, motor vehicle accidents are second on the list, with 40,231 deaths in 2017. Liable parties in these fatal accident claims can include other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, trucking companies, government agencies or entities and vehicle parts manufacturers.

3. Falls

Falls accounted for 36,338 deaths in 2017, an increase of 4.8 percent from 2016. Falls can happen anywhere, with many of them occurring on work sites, though the elderly population is also at risk. Liability in these claims can involve site management companies, store owners, construction firms, co-workers, crane or heavy equipment operates and others. If your elderly loved one fell in a nursing home, that facility may be liable.

4. Suffocation by inhalation/ ingestion

Suffocation deaths totaled 5,216 in 2017. Children are especially at risk of choking hazards, and many children’s toys contain small pieces. In some cases, children’s clothing may be unsafe: loose buttons and embellishments can easily be swallowed. In the last year, multiple sleep rockers were pulled from the market because children would roll over in them, and suffocate because they could not roll back.

Industrial site workers can also suffocate on the job if they work with toxic chemicals, or if they work near open sources of water.

5. Drowning

Accidental drowning is one of the leading causes of death for babies and toddlers. In 2017, there were 3,709 accidental drowning cases. Anyone who works near water would be at risk, but many drownings occur in people’s homes, either in bathtubs or backyard pools.

Fatal accidents 6-10

The rest of the list includes the following accidents:

Fires, flames, smoke: 2,812, +3%

Mechanical suffocation: 1,730, -2.9%

Natural heat, cold: 1,269, +6.7%

Struck by, against: 806, +2%, and

Machinery: 572, -6.2%

Have you lost a loved one because of the negligence of someone else? If so, you need to speak to the Delaware wrongful death lawyers of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman immediately. Call us in Wilmington, Newark or Seaford at 302-888-2900, or schedule a free consultation through our contact form.